Whakapapa means: Genealogy, as a fundamental principle of Māori culture that is critical in establishing one's identity.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
whakapapa
(NZ) Genealogy, as a fundamental principle of Māori culture that is critical in establishing one's identity.
Definitions
#1·Apr 27, 2026
(NZ) Genealogy, as a fundamental principle of Māori culture that is critical in establishing one's identity.
For parents
Whakapapa means: Genealogy, as a fundamental principle of Māori culture that is critical in establishing one's identity.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
whakapapa means: Genealogy, as a fundamental principle of Māori culture that is critical in establishing one's identity.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
Cluster: violence
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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Other words near "whakapapa" (W)
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